skribs
Grandmaster
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I've had a few discussions on the Taekwondo subreddit regarding pushing in Taekwondo sparring. Now, first off, I'd like to thank Martial Talk. I know I butt heads with some people here, but this place is far less toxic than that forum. But I digress...
There's been a few discussions regarding the use of pushing in sparring. My understanding of pushing as the rules have changed since I started:
Even if you take that gamer strategy away, the simplest way to compete in the new rules is to shove someone and kick. While they're recovering from the shove, they're an easier target, and it's a lot easier to follow up on an arm push than a leg push.
In our sticky on WTF sparring, it discusses how sparring evolved into a rule-set built on high-difficulty techniques being rewarded. Punches are easy to land and don't score. Kicks to the head and spinny kicks are more difficult and score more. But shove-and-kick is a simple tactic, which is rewarded with the same score as using proper footwork to set up your kicks.
Sorry if this comes across as a rant, but it seems that the sport side of the art is quickly devolving from a technical chess game of kicks and counters, to who has the stronger shove.
There's been a few discussions regarding the use of pushing in sparring. My understanding of pushing as the rules have changed since I started:
- When I started, there was no pushing allowed at all
- A few years ago, it was explained you could move with your feet, but not use a shoving motion with your arms (i.e. you can block their chest and then move)
- Now, it seems the rules are you can shove your opponent, so long as you make a kicking motion immediately after
Even if you take that gamer strategy away, the simplest way to compete in the new rules is to shove someone and kick. While they're recovering from the shove, they're an easier target, and it's a lot easier to follow up on an arm push than a leg push.
In our sticky on WTF sparring, it discusses how sparring evolved into a rule-set built on high-difficulty techniques being rewarded. Punches are easy to land and don't score. Kicks to the head and spinny kicks are more difficult and score more. But shove-and-kick is a simple tactic, which is rewarded with the same score as using proper footwork to set up your kicks.
Sorry if this comes across as a rant, but it seems that the sport side of the art is quickly devolving from a technical chess game of kicks and counters, to who has the stronger shove.